What to Do in Vung Tau and Con Dao Islands

It would seem a paradox but Vung Tau gains a lot from being the biggest crude oil extraction centre of Vietnam. As a result it has a more able infrastructure compared with many cities in the country and it's easy to get around and see the many sights. For the historic Con Dao Island, one should not miss the opportunity to visit the infamous prisons and their ‘tiger cages’ before heading off to see the island's beautiful National Park and other locations.

Attractions in Vung Tau & Con Dao Islands

Bach Dinh (Villa Blanche)

Bach Dinh or Villa Blanche was built 1898 and completed in 1916, during the French occupation. The villa and its surroundings were built overlooking the sea in grand style. It has an open-air dance floor and features lush décor and design. It was planned to be the residence of Paul Doumer, the French Governor of Indochina but he never stayed there, however, the villa was used as weekend getaway by other French Governors as well as by important Vietnamese heads of state.

Location: At the foot of Nui Lon Mountain

Binh Chau Hot Springs

This is a popular place for the locals to go for mud and foot baths, for the hot springs (about 37 degree C) as well as a swim at the white-sand beach. In some parts of Binh Chau the water is so hot you can even boil an egg in it.

Con Dao Museum

The Con Dao Museum was once the home of the island’s governors and was converted into a museum in 1975 after the Viet Cong liberated the island. The museum is a good starting point to learn about the ‘prison island’ history. There are photos and artwork showing prisoners’ conditions in those days as well as interesting lists of official French and U.S. policies toward prisoners.

Location: The centre of town adjacent to the jetty

Ho Coc Beach

Ho Coc Beach, located north of Ho Tram Hamlet, is home to mostly mid-range and high-end resorts as well as one of the most pristine beaches in Vietnam. Accessible within a three-hour leisurely drive from central Ho Chi Minh City, the beach features five kilometres of white sand where you can enjoy a day of sunbathing,

Ho Tram Beach

Ho Tram Beach, set within the Ba Ria, Vung Tau Province, boasts 10 kilometres of unspoiled waters, fine sand and palm trees. The beach offers a wide range of accommodation options with expansive views of the East Sea, and thatched seafood restaurants close to the Ho Tram fishing village with deck chairs and camping facilities at

Niet Ban Tinh Xa

This pagoda is known by many names, including the Temple of Nirvana and the Pagoda of the Reclining Buddha. It was built in 1969 and took six years to complete. There is a 21-metre flag tower in the front. The architectural details and workmanship are outstanding, including a marble overlaid 12-metre high Buddha image.

Location: Nui Nho Mountain, facing the ocean.

Statue of Jesus

This huge hollow 32-metre statue of Jesus stands overlooking the South China Sea. It was built in the early 70’s but was completed only in 1993 due to the conflicts. It is the largest sculpture in the South of Vietnam. There is a spiral staircase inside the statue going up to the head. You can enjoy fabulous panoramic views here. Located at the southern base of the small hilltop on which Bao Dai’s Villa sits

Opening Hours: 07:00-16:30

Location: On top of Nui Nho Mountain

Tel: (058) 590 037

Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda

This famous pagoda was built in 1957, originally as a small temple. Later, in 1961, it was renovated and enlarged. Featuring a six-meter tall Buddha, it is now one of the largest pagodas in town and an important attraction.

Location: 20km from the centre of Vung Tau

Trai Phu Hai Prisons

Built in 1862, this is the oldest of the island’s prisons. It was the place where over 5,000 inmates were held in extremely overcrowded conditions. At the centre of the prison is a large courtyard surrounded by large common rooms of high yellowed walls.

Next to it is another similar prison called Trai Phu Son Prison. One of its many famous prisoners included Le Duan, who succeeded Ho Chi Minh as the president of Vietnam at the end of the Vietnam War.

The officers at the museum can also arrange for visitors to see the infamous ‘tiger cages’ (cells without roofs – guards patrolled above the cells). 20,000 people are believed to have died here in Con Dao during its 113 years in operation.

Vo Thi Sau Tomb

Vo Thi Sau is one of the most famous women in Vietnam. She was a Viet Minh revolutionary against the French. Imprisoned in the ‘tiger cages’ in Con Dao at 16, she was executed about four years later and was the first Vietnamese woman to be sentenced to death. Her tomb is permanently adorned with fresh flowers as many islanders and Vietnamese tourists come to pay respect to her memory. As a national heroine, her face also features on Vietnamese stamps.

Location: Con Dao Island

Vung Tau Light House

First built in 1907 at a nearby location it was rebuilt and moved to its current location about five years later. The lighthouse is 18 metres high and projects light as far as 64km away and is equipped with telescopes to follow and direct ships at sea.

Hue rice vermicelli soup is a popular dish both in the north and the south of Vietnam. The dish has a typical sweet taste of mam ruoc (a special shrimp paste in the south), the aroma of lemongrass and the peppery flavour of stewed dried chilli. Rice vermicelli threads used for the dish must be white, soft and big.

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